Living in London

Hi, my name is Natalie and I am hoping to move to London in the near future. I was wondering if apartment landlords charge for utilities in London. If they don't I wouldn't have to save as much to move.

Thanks,
Natalie

Our experience has been that water, sewage and rubbish pickup have been included with the rent.

Electricity, gas, telephone and TV are up to the renter to pay for.

-Heather

Hi Natalie, It will depend on the rental agreement and will be associated with the length of the tenancy. For short lets they will include council tax (which cover local services like rubbish etc.), water/sewerage (AKA water rates), and any other service charges or ground rents, building maintenance etc. Electricity, gas, telephone, broadband, cable TV (if any) and TV licence (if you have a TV, you must have one of these!) is down to you. If it's a longer tenancy, you will be responsible for the council tax and water/sewerage and everything else except service charges, ground rents and building maintenance.

You should note that if you are the only person in a household (or you can make them think you are) you can get a 25% reduction in the council tax. You should also note that if you have a car then, depending on where you live, you may also need to buy a parking permit if you need to park it on the street rather than in a garage or car parking space that comes with the property.

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